§20136 Contributions Awards

Summary

The Administrator can give money awards to people who make scientific or technical contributions that help aeronautics or space activities. Awards can start from the Administrator or from an eligible person’s application. Every application goes to the Inventions and Contributions Board. The Board holds a hearing and recommends an award to the Administrator. When deciding the amount and any conditions, the Administrator must consider the contribution’s value to the United States, how much the applicant spent developing it, any prior non‑salary payments the applicant got for the contribution’s use, and other important factors. If more than one person claims the same contribution, the Administrator will decide each person’s interest and divide the award fairly. Applicants must give up any other claims to payment for the contribution’s use by the United States or by a foreign government under an agreement, anywhere. No award over $100,000 can be paid until the Administrator sends a full report to the appropriate Congressional committees and 30 calendar days of a regular session of Congress pass after they receive it. Person — an eligible applicant (defined in another section).